UK Weather: Latest Storm Dudley Updates & Forecast

Back to Monday’s weather:

From Wednesday evening, strong winds will cross the west of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

These winds will shift east towards northern England overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning.

Gusts of 80-90mph are possible over the exposed coasts and hills of Scotland, with gusts of 60-70mph in inland areas.

Winds are expected to ease Thursday afternoon and evening.

On Friday, Storm Eunice is expected to hit the central region of the UK with very strong winds of 60-70mph in inland areas.

Gusts expected to be ‘stronger’ than 70mph in ‘some locations’ – the Met Office said.

The areas that will be “most affected” are currently “uncertain”, the forecasters added.

Heavy rain and “potentially heavy snowfall” could be seen at the highest points in the Midlands and further north, the Met Office also said.

Storm Dudley is expected to hit northern areas Wednesday and Thursday, before Storm Eunice lands on Friday.

My colleague Chiara Giordano reports

The storm naming system has been in place in the UK since 2015.

The annual storm cycle began in September 2021 when the Met Office released a new list of names in alphabetical order following suggestions from the public.

Two months later, on November 26, Storm Arwen produced winds of up to 110 mph.

Storm Barra on December 7 caused property damage with winds of 80 mph.

On January 29, 2022, Storm Malik – named by Danish meteorologists, hence its break from the UK alphabetical order – hit the country.

It was followed two days later by Storm Corrie.

The next two storms, which are expected to hit the UK this week from the west, are storms Dudley and Eunice.

The reason for naming storms is to provide an easily remembered label for each so that warnings and news can be easily communicated in the face of extreme weather conditions.

The Met Office has released a moving graphic showing the severity of the twin storm heading for the UK later this week.

Forecasters tweeted: ‘Active jet steam will help develop and then propel #TwoStorms across the UK this week

“#StormDudley and #StormEunice will bring disruptive winds from Wednesday afternoon and possibly snow Friday.”

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the wind on Friday as Storm Eunice hits the UK.

The storm will affect most of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“There is a small chance that flying debris will cause a hazard to life, with fallen trees, damage to buildings and homes, ripped roofs and downed power lines,” the Met said.

Drivers are advised to check weather conditions before making trips in the coming days.

National Highways encourages people to be extra careful when planning their trips.

Jeremy Phillips, National Highways Road Safety Officer, asked drivers to consider whether it was necessary to hit the road in the midst of storms.

“If you intend to travel, plan your trip and be very careful, leaving more time for your trip,” he said.

“In strong winds there is a particular risk for trucks, caravans and motorbikes, so we advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.”

He added: “Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give plenty of room for tall vehicles, caravans and motorbikes.

“In the event of persistent high winds, we may have to close the bridges to traffic for a period of time, so please pay attention to closure warnings and follow signed detour routes.”

Two storms are expected to hit the whole of the UK bringing 90mph winds that could be ‘life threatening’.

Storm Dudley is expected to hit northern areas Wednesday and Thursday, before Storm Eunice lands on Friday.

My colleague Chiara Giordano has the full ICYMI report.

Snow may fall later in the week when Storm Dudley hits.

It will mostly fall on high ground if it does, the Met says.

“The highest accumulations will be in the Grampians,” a spokesperson said.

“Lower down, any snow is likely to be short-lived, but when it does fall, it’s likely to be blizzard conditions.”

The Met says there could be travel disruption for areas affected by the weather warnings.

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and possible cancellations, plus some roads and bridges may close, depending on the service.

Fallen trees and damage to buildings, such as blown tiles from roofs, could occur.

Power outages may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

There is a risk of injury and danger to life from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material thrown onto waterfronts, coastal roads and properties.